The creative mind of Sanford creates villains who are believable and not people you want to run into while they're on the run. This is a brutal tale of poor and desperate characters who screw up and make their situation worse when they have to run. Sandford shows the mindset of villains who know there's no way out.

The subplot of police who look for revenge, use the law and public opinion to justify their action is fascinating. Flowers on the other hand is not of their ilk. The ending is a great one, unusual and unexpected. Mad River is a social look into the minds of the killers, the police and the public. It was a wonderful read and a page turner.

Virgil Flowers is fast becoming as good as Lucas Davenport! Conger is Flowers and that's great. Most authors change their hero's but make it difficult for the listener the differentiate between them when they don't change narrators.

I'm liking the Virgil Flowers series with a touch of Davenport now and then. Some narrators fit so well that they become the character for me. Eric Conger simply fits Virgil. I like the down to earth touch.

I am captivated by this protagonist. I have read all the Virgil Flowers books and he is just such an interesting "hero". He is not a super tough guy although he can certainly take care of himself. He is a philosopher of sorts. His childhood as a preacher's son in a solid middle class family adds an interesting depth to the detective role. In some ways he reminds me of Columbo. He just ambles about asking questions until we get an insight into his keen mind. This time he is after a trio of young homicidal maniacs. Sandford has a way of making his characters come to life for me.

Which character – as performed by Eric Conger – was your favorite?

Virgil.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

I loved that Virgil ignored what was professionally good for him and politically correct to stand up for what was right.

This story was predictable and never engaged me. I was just waiting for the end so I could get on to another book. The primary trouble was the lack of character development and sufficient dramatic tension. I kept waiting for the contradictions, the unknown to appear. Everything was just so expected. Narration also lack characterization skill and a sense of real presence with the character. Overall, quite dull. I am not anxious to listen to another of Sandford's tales.